Words by Jerod Foster

Images by James Loss, Justin Rex, and Sally McWilliams

There are two things I want to quickly state about the ALBA Optics SOLO glasses before I get into a more thorough review. First, these are the most comfortable frames I’ve ever worn. Second, about half a mile into my first ride with them over a year ago, I immediately removed the side flaps, and although I didn’t throw them away, I completely forgot where I placed them and don’t feel bad about it (I’ll explain later).

I had never heard of Alba Optics until Dave asked me if I’d be interested in reviewing a pair of their glasses while riding some big Great Plains Project miles. Prior to this, my riding glasses had consisted of models from Smith, Oakley, Costa, Tifosi, goodr, and POC. Truthfully, I was not in love with any of these brands, but I felt I could put together a few coherent thoughts on a pair of new shades.

Enter the SOLO BLK VZUM ML King glasses. To break this nomenclature down, SOLO is the frame model, BLK is the color (black), VZUM is ALBA’s lens technology, and ML King is a variation of said technology engineered for bright sunlight, enhancing color, and blue light protection. I like glasses with big lenses (but not the Pit Viper unishield look), and the semi-retro look of these Italian-made frames with understated branding were immediately appealing. They come shipped in simple, quality packaging with a waterproof travel bag, side flaps, a lens cloth, and the typical paperwork that accompanies premium handmade sunglasses. This model of SOLO retails for $220.00 US, but I was provided a complementary copy for this review (so take that for what it’s worth).

What was supposed to be a relatively short-term review of the glasses has since turned into a fairly long-term version, but I believe having used them for over a year now has provided me some practical insight on them after the new car smell has worn off. To that end, here are some hard-earned, well-worn thoughts about the SOLOs:

Fit. I said these are the most comfortable glasses I’ve ever owned for any length of time. Everyone’s head is different, but these glasses are neither too snug nor loose on my face, have an adequate amount of flex to the frames, and sit high enough on my nose for a close fit without constantly drifting down when the riding gets rough or when I look down to check my computer, listen for that mysterious bike creak, or see what I just ran over. They are lightweight (32 grams), and ALBA positions the SOLOs as the multi-day, multi-terrain frame, which is spot on. I’ve experienced no nose, temple or ear discomfort, even when on all-day bikepacking treks in challenging conditions. They very quickly became my everyday glasses. So, in addition to riding over 5,000 miles with them, they’ve been everywhere else with me. “Go-to” is the proper term here.

Ventilation. I can’t recall a time when the SOLOs fogged up. Ever. Even when I pull my gaiter up over my nose in sub-freezing temperatures, the slim ventilation openings and lens coatings have prevented fogging when and where other glasses need wiping. In the heat, the ventilation is adequate, although it’s worth noting the comfortable-yet-close fit can get a little warm in summer months. But, no fogging. Ever.

Adjustability. There’s not much to say here other than it’s rock solid. There are four levels of temple adjustment on the frames, which was enough for my ear-to-brow length, and once you set them, they’re not moving. Simple and functional—my leaning toward practical quality beams.

Look. It’s no small thing—I think the glasses look great. They are not cliché large. They are functional and stylistic. They don’t look only like riding glasses, but they do exude a serious outdoor travel and recreation vibe. Classic, European styling meets modern simplicity and frame quality. Deal.

Lenses (the good). OK, if this review was a pop song, this is the bridge with a minor key that everyone loves but ultimately paints a dimmer picture than the first couple of choruses (humor a musician, will you?). The VZUM polycarbonate lenses are exceptional for clarity and color. I believe they stand up there with some of the best lenses in the price range. They are lightweight, hold well in the frames, look good, and above all, offer high quality protection and crisp vision across the field of view. Are they as good or better than the higher-end glasses I’ve owned? Yes, without a doubt, and if you’re a fan of the Smith Chromapop technology, I believe you will enjoy the VZUM ML King tech even more. Its color change is subtler without sacrificing clarity.

But, this is where my love for the VZUM ML King lenses starts to wane, and you might have already started to see why in some of the images here.

Lenses (the not-so-good). Now, before I critique the lenses, a disclaimer: I don’t carry a lens cloth with me everywhere, nor use one every time I wipe my sunglasses free of moisture, dust, etc. And, honestly, I don’t think some of you do, either. Instead, we often wipe with soft cloth alternatives, like shirts. I’m a photographer. I understand the importance of taking care of your “glass,” but I also know that lenses can and should have some tolerable leeway in terms of care technique. This is, to use a term from above, a sign of practical quality, and I suspect that if a $1,000+ camera lens element can resist my fogging it up before wiping it with the bottom of a soft cotton t-shirt when in a pinch, $80 sunglass lenses should, too. Maybe that’s just me, though.

The VZUM lens technology is relatively impact resistance. I’m not easy on sunglasses, but I’m not haphazardly throwing them around, either, and after a drop or two, they showed little signs of wear. They are not scratch proof, though, and over time in what I consider normal use circumstances as a gravel cyclist and bikepacker, they take on tiny knicks, the occasional small scratch, and of course, an odd smudge or two, the locations of which are the only variable in how your vision is impaired. This was the ultimate reason I purchased a second set of lenses for my SOLOs. That, and I started noticing some small areas where the lens coating was starting to wear through.

Under normal use (my normal use, mind you, which does not involve putting the glasses back in their bag after each ride), these new lenses offered all the things I loved about the first set, but they started to develop circular areas of wear and discoloration, presumably where I carefully wiped them with soft cloths (not sackcloth). Keep in mind, lens clarity stayed exceptional, as did protection from intense light. But, something is wearing off on the mirrored outside of the lenses, and it simply looks odd. Do I still wear them and care that they look a little funny? Yes, and no, respectively. Is this something that needs to be pointed out, even if I don’t handle sunglasses with cotton gloves? Well, yes, because sometimes you don’t either.

My only complaint about the SOLOs, and I mean my only complaint is the durability of the lenses under what I’m calling normal use in rigorous, challenging environments. But, even under my use, the lenses are extremely sharp and I do not feel protection from intense conditions has diminished. If you were able to take meticulous care of the lenses, this shouldn’t be a problem.

Side Flaps. Alright, so the lenses are not my only critique of the glasses, but the side flaps are optional, so this is more of a heavy, but qualified, opinion. Side flaps look badass, and they are a feature either built in or an option for several popular sunglasses these days. There’s no arguing they look cool, and their supposed functionality might be what tips you toward buying some…cool looking shades. But, as I mentioned earlier, I quickly took them off and lost them on purpose. Why? Because they are essentially blinders. I enjoy riding to gravel or singletrack from my front door, and I have about four miles of vehicle and pedestrian traffic before I’m on dirt. Within the first half mile of my first ride with the side-flaps-equipped SOLOs, several cars drove by me, responsibly, and I had no idea where they were peripherally until I felt it was too late to be aware of them. It felt claustrophobic, and frankly, dangerous to ride with them attached in these conditions. I pulled over next to a parking garage, took the flaps off, stuffed them in a jersey pocket, and continued my ride free of that feeling and potential hazard. I’ve never put them back on and have never felt I needed them, even in extreme wind, dusty, and high altitude, wintry, sunny conditions. I believe the flaps do exactly what ALBA says they do, but the frames fit and wrap around my face enough that I believe you can get by without them. Is this something that keeps you from considering the glasses? No, because you can remove them. Do you need them? Also, no.

Final Thoughts. The Alba Optics SOLO sunglasses are first and foremost a very nice pair of shades. The frames, which are what should be with you longer than any other part of the glasses, are the most comfortable I’ve ever worn, and they are an attractive blend of both performance and style. The lenses are equally impressive, but they are to be handled with care (or at least more care than I do). I’m no expert on lens coating and anti-scratch/smudge technologies, but I believe ALBA can, and will, improve upon an already great optical base. The SOLOs are still my favorite pair of sunglasses, and I wear them constantly, despite the outer lens coating wear. It might be a bit before I put down some money for another set of lenses, but I won’t think twice about it when I do because the frames are that good.

🖊 Jerod Foster

📷 James Loss, Justin Rex, and Sally McWilliams